Ducati 996 SPS ownership
Discussion
OK, I've got the bug big time and I think I need one in my life. But first, I'd really like to hear from those that have owned one. Sorry if this has been done several times before but what are they really like to own and ride?
I've had sports bike in my youth but now in my mid 40's and would be going from a Harley custom bike to one of these, so a big change! The reality is, I'd be using it on sunny sundays for a solo ride out, trip to Goodwood, 40 mile rides and that kind of thing. I'd get just as much pleasure riding sensibly and pride of ownership than dreaming of thrashing it to the limit on track days which I'd simply not be capable of.
It's probably complete overkill for my actual needs but I love the idea of cherishing something rather special and fairly rare.
Cheers
Mike
I've had sports bike in my youth but now in my mid 40's and would be going from a Harley custom bike to one of these, so a big change! The reality is, I'd be using it on sunny sundays for a solo ride out, trip to Goodwood, 40 mile rides and that kind of thing. I'd get just as much pleasure riding sensibly and pride of ownership than dreaming of thrashing it to the limit on track days which I'd simply not be capable of.
It's probably complete overkill for my actual needs but I love the idea of cherishing something rather special and fairly rare.
Cheers
Mike
They really are a complete change from a Harley, I think you'd be very wise to go for a test ride on one...have you even sat on one?
Reason I say that is I personally know of 2 people in their 40s who bought a 916 and couldnt get on with the riding position, I struggle with the riding position across the back of my neck and head , Mr 996SPS rides his to the South of France in no more discomfort than I get from my SRAD...
Were all different in that respect BUT for the use you give above, you'll probably be fine!
Reason I say that is I personally know of 2 people in their 40s who bought a 916 and couldnt get on with the riding position, I struggle with the riding position across the back of my neck and head , Mr 996SPS rides his to the South of France in no more discomfort than I get from my SRAD...
Were all different in that respect BUT for the use you give above, you'll probably be fine!
I recently sold mine after 12 years of ownership.
It was hard to do but in reality I'm past it (early 50's). This is not a bike you can just bimble around on. If you put nothing in, you get nothing out and I just wasn't able to provide the input any more.
I must say though over 18000 miles it never let me down once on road, track and Nurburgring (only one trip, regrettably).
Best of luck if you decide to indulge, it's a fabulous bike if ridden appropriately.
CofB
It was hard to do but in reality I'm past it (early 50's). This is not a bike you can just bimble around on. If you put nothing in, you get nothing out and I just wasn't able to provide the input any more.
I must say though over 18000 miles it never let me down once on road, track and Nurburgring (only one trip, regrettably).
Best of luck if you decide to indulge, it's a fabulous bike if ridden appropriately.
CofB
culminator said:
OK, I've got the bug big time and I think I need one in my life. But first, I'd really like to hear from those that have owned one. Sorry if this has been done several times before but what are they really like to own and ride?
I've had sports bike in my youth but now in my mid 40's and would be going from a Harley custom bike to one of these, so a big change! The reality is, I'd be using it on sunny sundays for a solo ride out, trip to Goodwood, 40 mile rides and that kind of thing. I'd get just as much pleasure riding sensibly and pride of ownership than dreaming of thrashing it to the limit on track days which I'd simply not be capable of.
It's probably complete overkill for my actual needs but I love the idea of cherishing something rather special and fairly rare.
Cheers
Mike
They are the bI've had sports bike in my youth but now in my mid 40's and would be going from a Harley custom bike to one of these, so a big change! The reality is, I'd be using it on sunny sundays for a solo ride out, trip to Goodwood, 40 mile rides and that kind of thing. I'd get just as much pleasure riding sensibly and pride of ownership than dreaming of thrashing it to the limit on track days which I'd simply not be capable of.
It's probably complete overkill for my actual needs but I love the idea of cherishing something rather special and fairly rare.
Cheers
Mike
ks in my opinion, i've done everything on mine and still feels as if there is more to do, but at around 32k I did need an engine re-build, which as was discussed on here was to be expected with that mileage and amount of use she'd had.I'm 6ft 2inches and 95kilos and the riding position does not bother me, were as Mr Pod is shorter and lighter but uncomfortable, i'm not flexible but I do use the gym if that helps or not i'm unsure, to be honest i'd keep her if I found it uncomfortable anyhow, reference test ride unless your going touring on her you may not find it a problem! Make sure you do a track day on her, just do the novice group you have no point to prove and you'll learn more about her on that than on the road, i'll do a track day with you, SPS reunion!
Even now I will go in the garage and have a long stare at her after 8 years of ownership, just buy a good one with FSH and she'll be fine.
Let me know if you need anymore advice, i'm excited for you though, you'll love it!!
They don't really work under 40mph in my experience, but the riding position is fine as long as you stay away from towns or traffic.
By the time the 996s were around a lot of the common faults were fixed and build quality is better. I've not owned my 996S long enough or done enough miles to comment on reliability, but the main issue with the SPS engines is that if they go pop, the parts are very very expensive (mainly rods I believe). My 996S comes with the 916SPS engine and I self inpose a 10.5K rpm limit when I'm riding it hard. Servicing costs are the same as for any other 748/916/996.
Make sure if you pay up for an SPS, it's a real one!
By the time the 996s were around a lot of the common faults were fixed and build quality is better. I've not owned my 996S long enough or done enough miles to comment on reliability, but the main issue with the SPS engines is that if they go pop, the parts are very very expensive (mainly rods I believe). My 996S comes with the 916SPS engine and I self inpose a 10.5K rpm limit when I'm riding it hard. Servicing costs are the same as for any other 748/916/996.
Make sure if you pay up for an SPS, it's a real one!
Have owned 3 916 variants, 916BP, 916SPS and now have a 998R. I'm over fifty, 6ft1, never had an issue with riding position, infact have rearsets on the 998. Main thing as mentioned above is make sure that it is an SPS, there are a lot of lookalikes out there. You can email the vin/engine # to Ducati if in doubt and they'll give you a definitive answer, over its production various things were changed so can be hard spotting a real/original one. Also service history is a must, particularly belt changes. If they haven't been changed, then you'll have to factor that in to the purchase price. Will be a big culture shook after a Harley, but well worth it. Not a bike to just nimble about on.
counterofbeans said:
I recently sold mine after 12 years of ownership.
It was hard to do but in reality I'm past it (early 50's). This is not a bike you can just bimble around on. If you put nothing in, you get nothing out and I just wasn't able to provide the input any more.
I must say though over 18000 miles it never let me down once on road, track and Nurburgring (only one trip, regrettably).
Best of luck if you decide to indulge, it's a fabulous bike if ridden appropriately.
CofB
Good post^It was hard to do but in reality I'm past it (early 50's). This is not a bike you can just bimble around on. If you put nothing in, you get nothing out and I just wasn't able to provide the input any more.
I must say though over 18000 miles it never let me down once on road, track and Nurburgring (only one trip, regrettably).
Best of luck if you decide to indulge, it's a fabulous bike if ridden appropriately.
CofB
steveknowles said:
over its production various things were changed so can be hard spotting a real/original one.
From memory, the easiest tell is t lift the seat unit and look at the ECU. If it's the large P8 with the ignition amps either side, it's an SPS. If not, well, it isn't.Oter than that there's a host of less obvoius differences.
Wiring Loom
Air Box (CF??)
Injector system(wiring)
Gear Ratios
Rods
Rod Bolts
Cams
ECU
There's more but can't recall now..
As to the Op, get a well looked after one, servicing is everything. Even so, it's no guarantee of perfection. Somehere have had superb mileage from their's, but the engines can be fragile if abused. Over rev/Regular high RPMis the death knell for these engines.
And remember they're old bikes. Don't expect much more than 125-130 bhp, and they're quite heavy by modern standards.
Lovely bikes all the same. 'tis the reason i built Frankenduc...
dibblecorse said:
Lol, I know that bike, you've done Brands in the box that Ozz and I organised many moons ago, think you may also have crashed at the flat ... hope lifes all good
Hi Pietro, yes that's me....Brands GP was great but track days are long gone now.Hope things are well with you.
CofB
Holy thread resurrection Batman!
I thought I'd post back here to report that eventually, I have now just bought a 996SPS. The itch just wouldn't go away and with all of the feedback I got here it seemed the decent thing to do....
I've bought a 2000 Ohlins fork model in great condition and look forward to getting to know it.
I thought I'd post back here to report that eventually, I have now just bought a 996SPS. The itch just wouldn't go away and with all of the feedback I got here it seemed the decent thing to do....
I've bought a 2000 Ohlins fork model in great condition and look forward to getting to know it.
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